Definition: And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:14. It's a really important message about how we should treat others and the impact our choices have on them. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that if you don’t welcome or accept people, and if they don’t receive your words or teachings, then you'll be left behind. It’s a warning about being unfriendly to others. Let’s unpack it word-by-word (a little): “Matthew 10:14” : This is the verse itself – we’re talking about a specific passage from the New Testament. “And whosoever shall not receive you…” : This means "anyone who doesn't welcome you" or "those who don’t accept you." It’s a general statement about being rejected. “…nor hear your words…” : This is crucial. It’s not just about ignoring them; it’s about hearing and understanding what we say. It means not listening to our teachings, sermons, or even just our conversations. “…when ye depart out of that house or city…” : “That house or city” refers to the community where you are – a church, a neighborhood, or wherever you’re gathering. “Depart out of” means leaving it. “…shake off the dust of your feet.” : This is the shocking part! It's a powerful metaphor. "Shake off the dust of your feet" means to be left behind, discarded, and forgotten. It suggests a feeling of being unvalued or abandoned. What does this mean practically? This verse encourages us to: Be welcoming: Make an effort to welcome people into our lives. Be respectful: Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. Don't be dismissive: Avoid speaking negatively about others, even if they disagree with you. Protect our community: Think of the impact your actions have on those around you. In essence, it’s a call to action – be friendly, be kind, and don't let people drift away. Why is this important? Jesus says this verse was given to him before his death. It speaks to the importance of our relationship with others and the consequences of not treating them well. It emphasizes that we are called to build up and protect those around us. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this verse might apply to different situations?